Jessie's POV
Oliver is gone.
I take a quick shower and head to work. It's supposed to be our honeymoon, but we're merely strangers bound by duty. He made it clear he has no desire to spend time with me.
As I leave, I notice the number of workers around the house. There are too many.
"Mrs. Cooper..." a voice calls out. I keep walking, assuming they're speaking to someone else. But the voice persists, and I quickly turn, ready to tell this 'Mrs. Cooper' it's rude not to respondâonly to realize I'm the one being addressed.
"Call me Jessie, please," I say, uncomfortable with the title. How can I be Mrs. Cooper when even Oliver doesn't acknowledge our marriage?
"We were instructed not to let you leave," the man says.
I scoff at the absurdity.
"And who gave those orders?" I ask, though I already know the answer.
"Mr. Cooper," he replies.
"Tell him to shove his orders..." I start, but the man's phone rings, cutting me off. He listens briefly before hanging up.
"I'll drive you to the hotel," he says.
I decide to spare him any further argument, saving it for my dear husband later.
When the car arrives at La Cooper, I notice a commotion at the entrance. It looks like a fight has broken out. I almost ignore itâuntil I spot someone familiar among the group of men.
Grey.
My heart skips a beat. What is he doing here?
"Stop the car!" I demand.
"Butâ"
"I said stop it."
I jump out of the car and rush toward the scene.
"Grey?" I call his name. He looks up, surprised to see me, but his expression quickly hardens.
"This was your plan all along?" he accuses.
"What do you mean?" I ask, confused. Just then, my parents appear at the hotel entrance.
"Make sure he never sets foot here again," my mother orders coldly, casting Grey a hateful look. She's always despised him.
"G...Grey..." I stammer, turning to my mother. "What's going on?" I ask, desperate for answers.
"Get inside," my father commands. I know better than to disobey.
"You'll regret this, Jessie. They lied to you!" Grey shouts after me.
I try to turn back, but my mother grips my shoulders and pushes me forward. "Don't listen to him," she hisses. "Remember, he broke your heart."
I know Grey has his flaws, but his anger is always justified. Still, I follow my parents into La Cooper, my mind racing with questions.
"He's the past, Jessie. Focus on the present and the future," my mother says when we reach their suite.
My father heads into the bathroom without a word, leaving me alone with her. She watches me closely, waiting for a reaction.
"Give him time. You hurt him deeply," she says, referring to my father. Her words cut deep, a painful reminder of the damage I've caused. Sometimes, I wonder if I deserve any forgiveness or love at all.
"And you? What about you?" I whisper, barely able to meet her eyes.
I did hurt my family badly.
She places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Baby steps," she says, offering a small smile.
I nod, though her reassurance doesn't quite reach me. It seems like every decision I make leads to more disappointment.
"Come sit. Let's have a tea party like old times," she suggests, a glimmer of excitement in her voice.
"I still enjoy those," I say, joining her on the balcony.
We sit quietly, sipping tea and nibbling on biscuits. The conversation is stiltedâyears of distance between us. She brings up fond memories, and I politely remind her I've outgrown some of them. The awkward silence stretches on until I break it.
"Have you heard from Iris?" I ask suddenly, concerned about my sister's recent behavior.
My mother shakes her head. "She's acting completely out of character. It's unlike her, more like..." She stares at me.
"More like me," I finish the sentence for her.
"Don't take it personally, Jessie. We're just worried about your sister," she tries to backtrack, but the damage is done.
I sip my tea, feeling the weight of her judgment. It's the same unspoken criticism everyone has toward meâmy reckless choices, the path I've taken.
"How was your first night with your husband?" she asks, her tone suddenly brighter.
"I don't think it's going to work. I'll stay with him long enough to see him through his illness, but after that..." I trail off.
"Don't lose hope, darling. Men can be taught to love us," she insists.
I raise an eyebrow, doubtful. I'm not sure that's how it works.
"Do you know how to seduce a man?" my mother asks.
It is the most ridiculous and uncomfortable question from my own mother.
"Mum, I am not going to have this conversation with you," I brush her away.
"Why not? You are an adult now with a very promiscuous past," she reminds me, and I crinkle my nose at her specific choice of words.
"Then you can tell that I have no problem seducing a man," I say, regretting keeping this discussion alive.
"Oliver Cooper is no ordinary man," my mother says.
"Maybe, maybe not. In my experience, I have come to the conclusion that despite status, religion, or culture, men are still the same," I argue.
I expect her to argue with me, but instead, she chuckles, amused by my cynicism. "You truly are my daughter."
I tap my feet impatiently. "I am late for my shift," I say, standing up.
"But we are not done yet," she complains.
"I am sure you need rest before traveling back home," I assume.
"Home? Don't be ridiculous, Jessica," she laughs.
I don't know what I said wrong or funny.
"We're staying until you're pregnant," she announces matter-of-factly.
It is my turn to laugh, but not because it's funny. "And what, exactly, will your presence contribute to that? Unless I have my biology wrong on how a baby is made."
"Don't get smart with me," my mother warns.
"I'm not ready for kids, and even if I were, Oliver would never touch me."
"No one's ever ready for children. You'll find a way," she says dismissively.
To end the conversation, I nod. "See you later."
****
After changing into my work uniform, I head to my usual room, only to find Gina and a new girl lounging on the bed, gossiping instead of working.
Gina rolls her eyes as soon as she sees me. It's not the first time I've been on the receiving end of strange looks today.
"We should be working, not chatting," I say sharply, my earlier conversation with my mother leaving me in a foul mood.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you the boss's wife now?" Gina mocks.
"Let's get to work," I insist, ignoring her jab.
"I was already assigned, Leah. Since you no longer work here," she points at the new face.
Helen, my supervisor, enters at that moment and informs me that Oliver wants to see me. Fuming, I march to his office and enter without knocking.
"What's this I'm hearing about me no longer working here?" I demand.
He looks up from his desk, studying me for a moment. "Can you take off that ridiculous uniform?"
"Ridiculous? You approved it as the staff uniform," I retort.
He ignores my comment, standing and placing a shopping bag on the desk. "Change. We're going somewhere."
He walks out, leaving me alone to change. I open the bag to find a black T-shirt and blue jeans. Not the fancy outfit I expected, but expensive nonetheless. I quickly change and fold my uniform, placing it inside the bag.
As I search for a place to put the bag, I notice his desk drawer slightly open. A blister pack catches my eye. Carefully, I pull it out. The capsule is missing.
"What are you doing?" His voice startles me.
I jerk upright, quickly hiding the blister pack behind my back.
"We're late," he says, walking out.
I slip the empty pack into my pocket, hoping it will give me some clue about what's really wrong with Oliver.
Don't forget to like if you enjoyed the chapter! Your support means a lot, and I love hearing from you through reviews. They truly help me grow as a writer and improve the story for you.
For more Chapter follow at Inkitt   https://www.inkitt.com/Ivybrown179